Infant sling

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an adjustable sling for the carrying and transport of an infant, with features that impart improved safety, comfort and support for the infant. The adjustable sling has a sling body with an interior compartment for carrying the infant, and also has an adjustable shoulder strap that is extensible about a wearer&#39;s shoulder, with first and second opposing ends that are attached to the sling body. An adjustable lumbar belt is attached to the sling body and extensible about the wearer. In one embodiment, the sling has a retention flap that is attached to the sling body and retains the infant being carried by the sling to enhance the safety and security of the sling. In another embodiment, the sling has at least one support insert to support at least one of the infant&#39;s head and neck while the infant is carried in the interior compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to sling carriers adapted to beworn by an adult to support and carry an infant or other young child.More particularly, the present invention is directed to a sling withimproved features that allow the sling wearer to more securely hold theinfant in the sling, and that improve the support of the infant's headand neck as well as the infant's body while being carried in the sling.

2. Related Art

Baby slings are well known by parents and other persons involved inchild care as being suitable carriers for the transport of children.Indeed, various different types of baby slings are currently availablefrom manufacturers of infant products, such as for example the JellyBean™ Cargo Sling from Munchkin. Baby slings offer many advantages overother types of child carriers due to their typical simplicity of use, aswell as other features. For example, baby slings typically hold theinfant in a nestled position near the body of the adult sling wearer,which is often comforting to the child and allows easy monitoring andobservation of the infant on the part of the adult wearer. Baby slingsalso typically allow for easy interaction between the adult wearing thesling and the infant being carried therein, such as for example to feed,soothe or entertain the infant. However, though currently known andavailable baby slings achieve their primary objective of carrying aninfant, they nonetheless posses certain deficiencies that detract fromtheir overall utility.

One of the deficiencies of prior art baby slings is the lack of anyrestraint or device to keep the infant securely held within the sling.In particular, slings fabricated from one or more layers of pliablefabric often rely on the infant's own weight to keep the fabric pulledsnugly about the infant and restrain the infant therein. Such slingstypically do not have any other means to restrain the infant, and thusleave the infant vulnerable to accidental falls, especially if the adultwearer bends or stoops while wearing the sling. Many conventional slingsare even sold with accompanying warnings urging the wearer to avoidbending over or stooping while the infant is held in the sling. Even forthose slings designed to minimize the likelihood of accident, the lackof any means of restraint may nonetheless be a source of unnecessaryworry and anxiety to the sling wearer.

Yet another one of the deficiencies of the prior art baby slings is theinsufficiency or lack of support for the body and head of the infantbeing carrier therein. The prior art baby slings are typicallyfabricated from one or more layers of pliable fabric that individuallyor collectively define a pocket or compartment adapted to accommodatethe infant. However, the pliability of the fabric used to fabricate thesling provides virtually no support for the body and head of the infant.This lack of support, coupled with the typical attachment of the supportstrap of the sling to opposing longitudinal ends thereof, thus oftenresults in the infant assuming an uncomfortable contour or curvedposition within the sling. In particular, as the head of an infant istypically relatively large and heavy compared to the infant's body, theinfant may have difficulty in keeping their chin comfortably raised upoff of their chest when laid in a supine or semi-supine position in thesling. Not only is this lack of support uncomfortable for the infant,but it also raises concerns with regard to possibly serious obstructionof the infant's breathing passageways. For example, as described in thearticle entitled “Cardiorespiratory Stability of Premature and TermInfants Carried in Infant Slings” to Stening et al, in Pediatrics Vol.110, No. 5, November 2002, which is herein incorporated by reference inits entirety, a significant decrease of oxygen saturation was observedin infants carried in a conventional sling as compared to those placedin a pram. While the decrease was not deemed to be of clinical concern,the study nonetheless shows a trend that correlates sling carrying ofinfants with increased obstruction of breathing.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for slings that are capableof securely restraining an infant therein to reduce the likelihood ofaccidental falls and/or injury to an infant held in the slings. There isalso a need for slings adapted for carrying an infant that provideimproved support to the infant's head and/or neck region.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates theabove-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the presentinvention is directed to an adjustable sling for carrying an infant. Inone embodiment, the adjustable sling has a sling body that defines aninterior compartment for carrying the infant, and an adjustable shoulderstrap extensible about a wearer's shoulder, with first and secondopposing ends of the strap being attached to the sling body. The slingalso has an adjustable lumbar belt that attaches to the sling body andis extensible about the wearer. To enhance the security and safety of aninfant being held in the interior compartment, the sling has a retentionflap that is attached to the sling body and that is capable of securingand retaining the infant being carried in the compartment.

In yet another embodiment, the adjustable sling has a sling body thatdefines an interior compartment for carrying the infant and has at leastone support insert therein. The support insert is configured to supportat least one of the infant's head and neck while the infant is beingcarried in the interior compartment of the sling. The adjustable slingmay also include an adjustable shoulder strap extensible about awearer's shoulder, with first and second opposing ends of the strapbeing attached to the sling body. Further, the adjustable sling mayinclude an adjustable lumbar belt that attaches to the sling body and isextensible about the wearer.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will becomemore apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustableinfant sling according to the invention, depicting the sling as worn byan adult wearer holding an infant therein;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustableinfant sling according to the invention, depicting a portion of theinterior compartment of the sling;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of an adjustable infant slingaccording to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of an embodiment of an adjustable infantsling according to the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional top view of an embodiment of a bottom panel for anadjustable infant sling according to the invention, depicting head andneck support inserts;

FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of the bottom panel of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional bottom view of the bottom panel of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of anadjustable infant sling according to the invention, depicting a portionof the interior compartment of the sling.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detaileddescription to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofthe presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intendedto represent the only form in which the present invention may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions andsequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It isto be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions andsequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they arealso intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

An adjustable sling 10 for carrying an infant 12 has been developed thatprovides substantial improvements over prior slings by providing securerestraint of the infant 12 being held therein, as well as improvedsupport of the infant's head and neck regions. In one embodiment, theadjustable sling 10 comprises a specially devised retention flap 14 thatcomfortably and securely retains the infant 12 within the sling 10. Inanother embodiment, the adjustable sling 10 comprises a unique headand/or neck support insert 16 that provides improved comfort to theinfant 12 being held in the sling 10. An improved adjustable sling 10according to the invention may have either of these improved featuresindividually, and may also comprise a combination of the features toimprove the safety and comfort of the sling 10 in the transport andcarrying of an infant 12.

It should be understood that the term “infant” as referred to herein isintended to be inclusive of all children and babies that may be suitablycarried by the sling, and thus includes very young infants as well asolder babies and children. In particular, the sling may be suitable forcarrying very young infants and children that are 35 lbs or less, andespecially those that are 20 lbs or less. Also, while it is envisionedthat a likely wearer of the adjustable sling would be the child'sparent, the wearer may also be another adult or teenager of a suitableage involved in the care of the child, such as a day care provider,sibling, grandparent and the like.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an improved sling 10 according to theinvention. The adjustable sling 10 generally comprises a sling body 18that defines an interior compartment 20 for carrying the infant 12. Anadjustable shoulder strap 22 is attachable to the sling body 18 and isextensible about the shoulder and/or back of a wearer 24 to support thesling body 18 on the wearer 24. The adjustable sling 10 can furthercomprise an adjustable lumbar belt 26 that is attachable to the slingbody 18 to provide further support of the sling 10 on the body of thewearer 24. The sling 10 may thus be used to carry and transport aninfant 12 by placing the shoulder strap 22 about the wearer's shoulderssuch that the strap 22 passes in a generally diagonal manner from thewearer's front and across the wearer's back, attaching the lumbar belt26 to the sling 10 and extending the belt 26 about the wearer's waist,hips and/or torso region, and carefully placing the infant 12 within theinterior compartment 20 of the sling body 18.

The sling body 18 can comprise a variety of different sizes, shapes andconfigurations adapted to provide an interior compartment 20 suitablefor holding an infant 12 therein. In the version depicted in FIG. 1, thesling body 18 comprises an elongate bottom panel 28 and surrounding sidepanels 30 a, 30 b that together cooperate to define the interiorcompartment 20 therebetween. The elongate bottom panel 28 andsurrounding side panels 30 a, 30 b can comprise separate segments ofmaterial or segments of material layers, such as for example one or morefirst segments 55 of material or material layers forming the bottompanel 28, and one or more second segments 53 of material or materiallayers disposed circumferentially about the bottom panel to form theside panels 30 a, 30 b. Alternatively the bottom and side panels 28, 30a, 30 b can be formed from a single segment of material or layeredmaterial segments. The segments of material and/or material layers canbe sewn or otherwise attached to each other to form the sling body 18.The segments of material that make up the sling body 18 are preferablyfabricated from a soft, pliable fabric material, which can comprise oneor more of a synthetic or natural material. The sling body 18 can alsocomprise a mesh material to provide breathability and air circulationwithin the interior compartment 20 to keep the infant 12 cool andcomfortable. It should be understood that sling body 18 can furthermorecomprise other suitable shapes, sizes and configurations other thanthose specifically shown and described herein.

Referring again to FIG. 1 as well as FIGS. 2-4, it can be seen that thesling 10 comprises the retention flap 14 that is configured to securelyhold and retain the infant 12 within the sling body 18. In the versionshown, the retention flap 14 is generally T-shaped, with an elongatelower segment 32 that attaches to the sling body 18 and passes betweenthe infant's legs, and a transverse band segment 34 that extendstransversely across the infant's body to support and restrain the infant12. In this manner the retention flap 14 forms a sort of swaddling seat,similar to an onesie bottom or baby diaper, to support and retain theinfant within the compartment 20. The elongate lower segment 32 of theretention flap 14 comprises a proximal end 36 a configured to attach tothe sling body 18, such as to the elongate bottom panel 28, and a freedistal end 36 b. The proximal end 36 a of the retention flap 14 can beconfigured to attach to the elongate bottom panel 28 by sewing orotherwise attaching thereto, such as with snaps, hook and loop-typefasteners, buttons or other fasteners. The transverse band segment 34 isdisposed at the distal end 36 b of the elongate lower segment 32 and isconfigured to cross over the infant's body, such as across the infant'sstomach and/or torso, and attach to the sling body 18. The retentionflap 14 is preferably fabricated from one or more soft, pliable fabricmaterials, which can comprise one or more of a synthetic or naturalmaterial. In one version, one of more portions of the retention flap 14comprise padded materials, to increase the infant's comfort while beingretained therein.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the retention flap 14 comprises aretention belt sleeve 38 that is sized and configured to pass aretention belt 40 therethrough for restraining the infant 12 within theinterior compartment 20. In this version, the retention belt sleeve 38is located at the distal end 36 b of the elongate lower segment 32, andforms a portion of the transverse band segment 34. The retention beltsleeve 38 defines a passage 42 therein that passes laterally across thetransverse band segment 34 and is shaped and sized to accommodate thepassage of the belt 40 therethrough. The retention belt 40 configured topass through the retention belt sleeve 38 comprises at least oneadjustable strap 44, with the belt 40 having first and second opposingends 46 a, 46 b that are configured to attach to the sling body 18, suchas at opposing edges 48 a, 48 b of the elongate bottom panel 28, asshown for example in FIG. 3. The retention belt 40 further comprises atleast one releasable mating connector 50 configured to connect segmentsof the belt strap 44 together, or alternatively to connect a singlesegment of strap 44 directly to the sling body 18. The retention beltsleeve 38 that forms a part of the transverse band segment 34 thuspromotes the infant's comfort by providing a layer of material,preferably padded, between the infant and retention belt 40 to gentlyand securely retain the infant.

In one version, at least a portion of the retention belt 40 is attachedto the retention flap 14 itself to position and stabilize the belt 40,for example by sewing or otherwise attaching a portion of the retentionbelt 40 thereto. For example, the retention belt 40 can comprise firstand second belt strap segments 44 a, 44 b, with a first belt strapsegment 44 a extending from a first opposing edge 48 a of the elongatebottom panel 28 towards the retention flap 14, and the second belt strapsegment 44 b extending from a second opposing edge 48 a of the elongatebottom panel 28 towards the retention flap 14, as shown for example inFIG. 3. A third belt strap segment 44 c is attached to and passesthrough the retention belt sleeve 38 in the retention flap 14. First andsecond adjustable mating connectors 50 a, 50 b connect the attachedthird belt strap segment 44 c to the first and second belt strapsegments 44 a, 44 b, respectively. By attaching the strap segment 44 cto the interior of the sleeve 38, the relative position of the belt 40within the sleeve 38 can be maintained, while also allowing foradjustment of the belt 40 about the infant 12 via the adjustable matingconnectors 50 a, 50 b, for example to tighten or loosen the belt 40about the infant 12.

While specific embodiments of the retention belt 40 and retention flap14 are being described herein for the purposes of illustrating aspectsof the invention, it should be understood that the retention flap 14 andbelt 14 are not limited to these specific embodiment, and otherconfigurations may also be devised. For example, the retention flap 14may itself form a central section of the belt 40, with first and secondbelt strap segments 44 a, 44 b being attached at opposing sides thereofand extending to connect to the sling body 18. Also, the retention beltsegments 44 a, 44 b and/or retention flap 14 may be connected to eachother via connectors other than those specifically shown, such as forexample via snaps, zippers, hook and loop closures such as Velcro™,and/or buttons. Embodiments in which the retention flap 14 is directlyattached to the sling body 18 without the use of a retention belt 40,are also considered to be encompassed by the present invention. Forexample, in one embodiment, the retention flap 14 can compriseattachment mechanisms disposed at opposing lateral ends of thetransverse band segment 34 that are capable of attaching the ends of theretention flap 14 to the sling body 18.

Accordingly, in one version, a method of employing the sling 10 for usein carrying and/or transporting an infant 12 involves laying the infant12 on his/her back within the interior compartment 20 of the sling 10.The infant is placed in a supine or semi-supine position on the elongatebottom panel 28, with the infant's bottom positioned above the point ofattachment of the retention flap 14 at the proximal end 36 a of theelongate lower segment 32. The retention flap 14 is folded back over theinfant's body, with the elongate lower segment 32 passing between theinfant's legs and the transverse band segment 34 of the retention flap14 crossing over the body of the infant 12, such as across the infant'sstomach and/or torso. At least a portion of the retention belt 40 isextended through the sleeve 38 of the transverse band segment 34, andthe belt 40 is secured via at least one releasable mating connector 50.The retention flap 14 can thus be used to gently and securely retain theinfant in the interior compartment 20 of the sling body 18, therebyreducing the likelihood of accident or injury to the infant 12 whileusing the sling 10.

FIGS. 2 and 5-7 show yet another embodiment of the adjustable sling 10,wherein the sling 10 is configured to provide improved support to atleast one of the infant's head 13 and neck 11 while the infant 12 iscarried therein, as well as optionally to other portions of the infant'sbody. In this embodiment, the sling body 18 comprises at least one, andeven a plurality of support inserts 16 that are shaped, sized andconfigured to improve the support of the infant. The improved supportimparted by the support inserts 16 enhances the infant's comfort whilebeing carried in the sling, and may also advantageously improve thepositioning and alignment of the infant's breathing passages to ensureadequate oxygen saturation and breathing ability of the infant 12.

In one version, the support insert 16 comprises a neck support bolster15 that is configured to maintain a position of the infant's neck 11 inrelation to the head 13 of the infant 12, as shown for example in FIGS.2 and 5-6. Specifically, the neck support bolster 15 is configured tomaintain the infant's head 13 in a substantially neutral and/or mid-lineposition relative to the infant's spine when the infant 12 is in one ormore of a supine or semi-supine position. By “neutral” or “mid-line”position it is meant that the infant's head 13 is positioned relative tothe spine such that the head 13 is not bending excessively towards oraway the spine, such as excessively forward, backward, or even sidewayswith respect to the spine, in a position that could otherwise beunacceptably uncomfortable to the infant 12 or restrict the infant'sbreathing. By maintaining the head and/or neck in such a neutralposition, the infant's breathing passageways are kept unobstructed suchthat the infant 12 is able to breathe easier and maintain higher oxygenlevels. In particular, the neck support bolster 15 is configured to lifta portion of the infant's neck 11 and/or body 17 with respect to theinfant's head 13 such that the infant's chin is kept from excessivelybending towards and even into the infant's chest, thereby maintainingproper air passageway alignment. The neck support bolster 15 maypreferably be formed of a cushioning foam material, although otherpadding or cushioning materials can also be used.

In the version shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-6, the neck support bolster 15 isanatomically shaped and positioned within the sling body 18 to allow theinfant's scapulae, or shoulder blades, to rest thereon, thereby liftingthe infant's upper back and neck regions to maintain the infant's head13 and neck 11 in proper alignment. In this version, the elongate bottompanel 28 can be understood to comprise a head support region 54 aconfigured to support the infant's head 13, and a body support region 54b to support the infant's body 17, with the neck support bolster 15being disposed adjacent the head support region 54 a at a location alongthe longitudinal axis of the elongate bottom panel 28 that allows forthe lifting and support of the infant's upper back/shoulders and/orneck, such as between the head support region 54 a and body supportregion 54 b. The neck support bolster 15 further comprises a top surface19 that is elevated above a surface 21 upon which the infant's head 13rests in the head support region 54 a of the elongate bottom panel 27,thereby lifting the infant's upper back and/or neck with respect to theinfant's head 13. For example, the top surface 19 of the neck supportbolster 15 can be at least about 0.5 inches higher than the head restsurface 21, such as from about 0.5 to about 1.0 inches higher, and evenabout 0.75 inches higher than the head rest surface 21. In theembodiment as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the neck support bolster 15 comprisesa raised cushion having an at least semi-cylindrical shape that extendslaterally across at least a portion of the elongate bottom panel 28between first and second opposing sides 48 a, 48 b thereof.

The adjustable sling 10 can further comprise additional support inserts16 disposed within the interior compartment 20 of the sling body 18 thatare configured to support and cushion the infant's head 13 and/or neck11 as well as to support and properly position the rest of the infant'sbody 17. In one embodiment, an additional support insert 16 comprises ahead support insert 25 disposed towards an upper end 64 a of the slingbody 18 that at least partially conforms to a periphery of the infant'shead 13 to maintain a position thereof. The head support insert 25 thusserves to promote proper alignment of the infant's head 13 with the restof the infant's body 17, such as a substantially neutral alignment ofthe infant's head and spine, by inhibiting excessive lateral bending ortwisting of the infant's neck 11. In the version shown in FIGS. 2 and5-6, the head support insert 25 comprises a generally U-shaped body ofcushioning material positioned at the upper end 64 a of the elongatebottom panel 28, such as for example lining at least a portion of theside panels 30 a, 30 b at the upper end 64 a of the sling body 18. Thehead support insert 25 thus forms supporting walls about the infant'shead 13, with the interior surface 29 of the head support insert 25being contoured to at least partially conform to the infant's head 13while also allowing the infant a comfortable amount of head movementwithin the sling body 18. The head support insert 25 may preferably beformed of a cushioning foam material, although other padding orcushioning materials can also be used.

In yet another version, the additional support inserts 16 provided inthe infant sling 10 comprise one or more body support bolsters 33 a, 33b that are configured to support and position opposing sides of theinfant's body 17. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-6, the bodysupport bolsters 33 a, 33 b comprise arcuate bodies of cushioningmaterial disposed on opposing sides of the elongate bottom panel 28 inthe body support region 54 b. The body support bolsters 33 a, 33 b thusinhibit excessive lateral slipping of the infant 12 within the interiorcompartment 20 of the sling body 18, and also promote a proper andcomfortable alignment of the infant's body 17 therein. The body supportbolsters 33 a, 33 b also cooperate with the retention flap 14 toproperly position the infant 12 within the sling body 18 for optimumcomfort and support. Similarly to the head support insert 25, the bodysupport bolsters 33 a, 33 b may be formed of a cushioning foam material,or alternatively of another padding or cushioning material.

In yet another embodiment of a support insert 16 as shown in FIG. 8, theinfant sling 10 comprises at least one support insert 16 that defines acentral cutout 52 therein to provides support for the infant's head 13while being carried in the interior compartment 20. The support insert16 is disposed within the interior compartment 20 of the sling body 18,such as within, on top of, or otherwise about the elongate bottom panel28. For example, the support insert 16 can be disposed about the headsupport region 54 a of the elongate bottom panel 28, such as within oroverlying the bottom panel 28 in the head support region 54 a. Thesupport insert 16 provides improved comfort and support to the infant 12being carried within the sling 10 by stabilizing the infant's head 13 ina comfortable resting position, thereby also reducing pressure on theinfant's neck 11. As shown in FIG. 8, the support insert 16 according tothis embodiment comprises a central cutout 52 that is sized and shapedto accommodate at least a portion of the infant's head. For example, thecentral cutout 52 of the support insert 16 can comprise at least one ofan ovate, circulate and elliptical shape sized to accommodate theinfant's head therein. The support insert 16 preferably comprises alayer of cushioning material having the central cutout 52 therein, suchas for example at least one of foam material, gel cushioning material,down and other padded material. The support insert 16 may also be shapedto be complementary to the sling body 18, for example by comprising arounded periphery 56.

To further increase the comfort and support of an infant 12 beingcarried and/or transported in the adjustable sling 10, the sling 10 mayfurther comprise at least one cushioning insert 60 extending along atleast a portion of the sling body 18, as shown for example in FIGS. 2and 8. For example, the cushioning insert 60 may extend along at least aportion of the body support region 54 b of the elongate bottom panel 28,and may at least partially conform to the shape of the elongate bottompanel 28. The cushioning insert 60 can comprise at least one of foam,gel, down and other padded material. While the cushioning insert 60 cancomprise the same cushioning material as the support insert 16, it mayalso be preferable in some versions to provide a relatively more rigidand/or stiff material for the support insert 16, such as a higherdensity foam material, and a relatively softer and/or more yieldingmaterial for the cushioning insert 60, such as at least one of a lowerdensity foam material, memory foam, and gel material. In yet anotherversion, the support insert 16 may itself be configured to extend alongat least a portion of the sling body 18 to act as a cushioning insertfor the infant's body, i.e., a single unitary insert may be providedthat acts as both support and cushioning inserts.

In one version, the support and/or cushioning inserts 16, 60 areinserted into the sling body 18 by sewing or otherwise permanentlyattaching to the sling body 18. However, it should be understood thatthe inserts 16, 60 can also be provided in a detachable form such thatthe inserts 16, 60 can be placed in the sling body 18 and then removedas desired. For example, one or more of the support and cushioninginserts 16, 60 can comprise snaps, button, zippers, hook and loop-typeclosures, or other types of closures that releasably attach the inserts16, 60 to the support body 18. In a preferred embodiment, at least oneand even both of the head support insert 25 and body support bolsters 33a, 33 b are configured to be readily detachable from the sling body 18,for example to accommodate a larger or older infant 12. The neck supportbolster 15 may also optionally be provided in detachable form.

The construction of the sling body 18 is devised to provide support andcomfort to the infant 12, as well as the sling wearer 24. In the versionshown in FIGS. 6-7, the elongate bottom panel 28 comprises multiplelayers of materials designed to provide comfort and support as well asair circulation to the interior compartment 20 of the sling body 18 andthe infant 12 being carried therein. In this version, the elongatebottom panel 28 comprises a base layer 35 formed of perforated foam thatis covered by an overlying layer (not shown) formed of a breathablematerial, such as a mesh layer. A support structure 37 is disposedbeneath the base layer 35, and finally a bottom breathable mesh layer(not shown) is provided to cover the support structure 37 and the bottomof the base layer 35. The breathable mesh layers and perforated foamlayer provide 35 increased air circulation to improve the infant'sbreathing and oxygen saturation, while also cooling and supporting theinfant 12 in the interior compartment 20. The support structure 37 isconfigured to provide support to the infant's body and torso. In thecut-away version as shown in FIG. 7, the support structure 37 comprisesa plurality of support beams 37 a extending beneath the base layer 35 ofperforated foam. The support beams 37 a connect upper and lower U-shapedregions 37 b of the support structure 37, and provide increased supportto a mid section of the sling body 18 to reduce sagging or deformationthereof, and to thereby facilitate the maintaining of the infant's body17in a more proper and comfortable alignment. The support structure 37may be formed of a material having a degree of rigidity, such as forexample a plastic material, to provide support to the base layer 35,with the support structure 37 preferably also having a degree ofresiliency and “give” such that the elongate bottom panel 28 remainscomfortable to the infant 12. With regards to the comfort and support ofthe infant 12, it should be furthermore understood that the length ofthe elongate bottom panel 28 is selected to provide comfortable legextension for the infant 12, as well as a comfortable degree of flexionfor the infant's developing muscles. The construction of the elongatebottom panel 28, including the support provided by the support structure37, thus provides a supported elongated surface on which the infant 12can comfortable stretch out, substantially without excessive cramping orbending of the infant's legs.

The sling body 18 is supported on the wearer 44 via at least oneadjustable shoulder strap 22 that is extensible about the wearer'sshoulder and/or back, as described above. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, theadjustable shoulder strap 22 comprises first and second opposing ends 62a, 62 b that are configured to attach to the sling body 18, such as atprescribed locations on opposing front and rear sections at opposingends 64 a, 64 b of the longitudinal axis of the sling body. Theadjustable shoulder strap 22 can further comprise first and secondshoulder strap segments 66 a, 66 b and a strap adjustment connector 68configured to attach the first and second segments 66 a, 66 b to oneanother and to allow adjustment of the overall length of the shoulderstrap 22. Alternatively, the shoulder strap 22 can comprise a singlestrap segment that is attached to the sling body 18 at its opposing endsvia the strap adjustment connector 68, or can comprise alternativeconfigurations of strap segments and connectors. The shoulder strap 22can further comprise one or more releasable fastening buckles to allowquick-release fastening of first and second strap segments 66 a, 66 b toeach other, or releasable fastening of the shoulder strap 22 to thesling body 18 (not shown). The shoulder strap 22 also comprises a paddedsection 69 configured to be positioned over at least a portion of thewearer's neck and or shoulders to increase comfort in carrying the sling10.

Further support for the sling body 18 during use in transporting and/orcarrying an infant 12 can be provided by the adjustable lumbar belt 26as described above, which is configured to attach to the sling body 18as well as extend about the body of the wearer 24. For example, as shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, the sling body 18 can comprise at least one, andpreferably a pair of belt loops 70 a, 70 b on opposing exterior surfaces72 a, 72 b of the sling body side panels 30 a, 30 b. The belt loops 70a, 70 b are configured to accommodate the passage of the lumbar belt 26therethrough to connect the lumbar belt 26 to the sling body 18. Thelumbar belt 26 comprises at least one adjustable belt segment 74, astrap cincher 76, and a lumbar belt pad 78 located on a region of thebelt 26 configured to be positioned about the lumbar region of the backof the wearer 24. The lumbar belt 26 also typically comprises areleasable strap buckle 80. In the version as shown, the lumbar belt 26comprises a first belt segment 74 a configured to pass through the beltloops 70 a, 70 b, and a second segment 74 b comprising the lumbar beltpad 78, as well as a strap cincher 76 and releasable strap buckle 80that attach the first and second segments 74 a, 74 b of the belt 26 toone another.

The belt loops 70 a, 70 b located on opposing sides of the sling body 18allow for the wearer 24 to selectively position the sling body 18. Forexample, in the version as shown in FIG. 1, the lumbar belt 26 isextended through belt loop 70 b on opposing side panel 30 b, resultingin the sling body 18 being positioned such that the head of the infant12 is carried towards the left side of the body of the wearer 24. Toreverse this position such that the infant's head is carried towards theright side of the wearer's body, the lumbar belt 26 is extended throughbelt loop 70 a on the opposite side panel 30 a. The lumbar belt 26 canthus be selectively extended through the belt loops 70 a, 70 b toprovide a desired position of the sling body 18 with respect to thewearer 24.

The adjustable sling 10 can further comprise other attachments and/ormodifications that are generally suitable for child carriers, and/orthat otherwise enhance the performance of the sling 10. For example, thesling 10 can comprise one or more interior or exterior pockets orpouches configured to hold infant care items, such as bottles, toys,blankets, pacifiers, diaper changing supplies, and the like, andoptionally other accessories such as cell phones, wallets, keys, andother similar items. The sling 10 may also comprise further straps andattachment members and devices to adjust the shape and configuration ofthe sling body 18. For example, in one version, the periphery 82 of theside panels 30 a, 30 b can be elasticized to at least partially enclosethe sling body 18 about the infant 12. Additionally or alternatively,the periphery 82 of the side panels 30 a, 30 b can comprise a cinchingstrap or similar mechanism (not shown) to adjust the size thereof, andthus adjust the size of the opening to the interior compartment 20.

The improved sling 10 according to the present invention can thus beunderstood to provide improved comfort and security to an infant 12being carried and/or transported therein. The retention flap 14 allowsfor an infant 12 to be more securely retained and held within theinterior compartment 20 of the sling 10, thus reducing the likelihood ofaccident or injury to the infant 12. The support insert 16 increase theinfant's comfort by stabilizing the head and/or neck of the infant 12.The improved sling 10 thus provides for more secure, comfortable andstable transport of an infant 12, substantially without sacrificingdesirable aspects of conventional infant slings.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention mayalso be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, theparticular combination of components and steps described and illustratedherein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the presentinvention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternativedevices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention. Alongthese lines, it should be understood that the retention flap 14 andsupport insert 16 may take any of a variety of forms that are known orlater developed in the art, and further contemplates that existing ornewly formed retention flaps 14 and support inserts 16 should fallwithin the scope of the present invention. Also, it should be understoodthat the shoulder strap 22, lumbar belt 26 and carrier body can compriseother configurations that are other than those specifically described.

1. An adjustable sling for carrying an infant, the sling comprising: (a)a sling body defining an interior compartment for carrying the infant;(b) a retention flap attached to the sling body to retain the infantbeing carried in the compartment; (c) an adjustable shoulder strapextensible about a wearer's shoulder and comprising first and secondopposing ends attached to the sling body; and (d) an adjustable lumbarbelt attached to the sling body and extensible about the wearer.
 2. Theadjustable sling of claim 1, wherein the sling body comprises anelongate bottom panel and surrounding side panels that define theinterior compartment therebetween, and wherein the retention flap isattached to the bottom panel.
 3. The adjustable sling of claim 1,wherein the retention flap comprises a generally T-shaped flap having:an elongate lower segment configured to pass between the legs of aninfant being carried in the sling, the elongate lower segment comprisinga proximal end attached to the sling body and a distal end; and atransverse band segment at the distal end of the elongate lower segmentthat is configured to extend transversely across at least a portion ofthe infant's body, the transverse band segment being attachable to thesling body to retain the infant in the compartment.
 4. The adjustablesling of claim 3, wherein the transverse band segment comprises aretention belt sleeve, and wherein the sling further comprises: anadjustable retention belt configured to extend through the retentionbelt sleeve, the adjustable retention belt having first and secondopposing ends configured to be attachable to the sling body.
 5. Theadjustable sling of claim 1 wherein the sling body comprises at leastone support insert configured to provide support to at least one of theinfant's head and neck while being carried in the interior compartment.6. The adjustable sling of claim 5 wherein the sling body comprises aplurality of support inserts including: a neck support bolsterconfigured to maintain a position of the infant's neck in relation tothe head of the infant; a head support insert configured to at leastpartially conform to a periphery of the infant's head to maintain aposition thereof; and body support bolsters configured to supportopposing sides of the infant's body.
 7. The adjustable sling of claim 1wherein the sling body comprises a pair of belt loops on opposingexterior surfaces thereof, the belt loops each being configured to passthe lumbar belt therethrough to connect the lumbar belt to the slingbody.
 8. An adjustable sling for carrying an infant, the slingcomprising: (a) a sling body defining an interior compartment forcarrying the infant, the sling body comprising at least one supportinsert configured to support at least one of the infant's head and neckwhile the infant is carried in the interior compartment; (b) anadjustable shoulder strap extensible about a wearer's shoulder andcomprising first and second opposing ends attached to the sling body;and (c) an adjustable lumbar belt attached to the sling body andextensible about the wearer.
 9. The adjustable sling of claim 8 whereinthe support insert comprises a neck support bolster configured tomaintain a position of the infant's neck in relation to the head of theinfant.
 10. The adjustable sling of claim 9 wherein the neck supportbolster is configured to maintain the infant's head in a substantiallyneutral position relative to the infant's spine.
 11. The adjustablesling of claim 9 wherein the neck support bolster is anatomically shapedand positioned to allow the infant's shoulder blades rest thereon whilebeing carried in the interior compartment.
 12. The adjustable sling ofclaim 9 wherein sling body comprises an elongate bottom panel having ahead support region configured to support the infant's head and a bodysupport region to support the infant's body, wherein the neck supportbolster is positioned adjacent the head support region on the elongatebottom panel.
 13. The adjustable sling of claim 12 wherein a top surfaceof the neck support bolster is elevated above a surface upon which theinfant's head rests in the head support region of the elongate bottompanel.
 14. The adjustable sling of claim 12 wherein the neck supportbolster comprises an at least semi-cylindrically shaped cushion thatextends laterally across the elongate bottom panel between first andsecond opposing sides thereof.
 15. The adjustable sling of claim 9,further comprising a head support insert that at least partiallyconforms to a periphery of the infant's head to maintain a positionthereof.
 16. The adjustable sling of claim 15 wherein the head supportinsert comprises a U-shaped body of cushioning material positioned at anupper end of the elongate bottom panel.
 17. The adjustable sling ofclaim 15, further comprising body support bolsters disposed on opposingsides of the elongate bottom panel in the body support region.
 18. Theadjustable sling of claim 17, wherein at least one of the head supportinsert and body support bolster are detachable from the sling body. 19.The adjustable sling according to claim 8 wherein the support insertcomprises a layer of cushioning material having a rounded periphery, thesupport insert defining a central cutout therein that comprises at leastone of an ovate, circular, and elliptical shape.
 20. The adjustablesling according to claim 8 further comprising a retention flap attachedto the sling body to retain the infant being carried in saidcompartment.